Effect of Implementing Nursing Educational Program on Reducing Postoperative Complications for Patients after Intracranial Surgery

Background: Because brain structures are complex, neurosurgery is associated with high rates of morbidity and death. From minor surgical nausea and vomiting to catastrophic neurological degeneration, the consequences might vary widely. Aim : Determine the effect of implementing nursing educational program on reducing postoperative complications for patients after intracranial surgery . Design: a quasi-experimental study design. Setting : The study was conducted at the neurosurgical care unit and outpatient clinic at Eldemerdash hospital affiliated to Ain Shams university hospital Cairo, Egypt. Subjects: Purposive sample of sixty adult patients of both genders after intracranial surgery (burr hole, craniotomy and craniectomy).The patients divided into two groups: the control group (30 patients who received routine care) and the study group (30 patients) who received nursing educational program. Tools: three tools were used to collect data include: I: intracranial surgery patients' health status assessment questionnaire, II: postoperative complications assessment questionnaire, the nursing educational program for patients undergoing intracranial Surgeries. Results: among the study group 30.3 % of their age ranged from 30 to less than 40 while the control group 36.4 % aged from 30 to less than 40 and 40 to less than 50. Regarding to gender 57.6 % and 60.6% were females among the study and control group respectively. Concerning educational level 48.5%, and 39.4% had secondary school of the study and control group respectively. Regarding to total patients knowledge there is a highly statistically significant correlation post the educational program than pre the program among the study group. Conclusion: There is a positive significant correlation between total patients knowledge and post-operative systemic complications and neurological complications among the study group pre and post the educational program. Recommendations: Every patient having brain surgery should get the educational programme. It is advised that nurses get in-service training about the care required for patients undergoing brain surgery. Further research on larger sample is recommended to achieve generalization.